What Are Alternative Franchise Chains to Great Clips Franchise
Considering alternatives to the Great Clips franchise? If you're looking for a hair salon business opportunity, exploring other franchise models can open up a world of possibilities for your entrepreneurial journey. Discover a diverse range of franchise options that align with your investment goals and passion for the beauty industry.
| # | Alternative Franchise Chain Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fantastic Sams | Fantastic Sams operates as a full-service family salon, offering a comprehensive menu including color, highlights, and waxing, which leads to a higher average ticket compared to cut-focused models. With strong international backing from Dessange International, it provides more territory availability in some markets, appealing to investors seeking a broader revenue stream. |
| 2 | Floyd's 99 Barbershop | Floyd's 99 Barbershop offers a unique, amplified barbershop experience with a rock-and-roll theme, blending premium services for men and women with an energetic atmosphere and curated music. This model targets a different franchisee profile with a higher investment, aiming for strong unit economics through premium pricing, memberships, and grooming product sales. |
| 3 | Cost Cutters | Cost Cutters is a value-oriented franchise focused on convenient, no-appointment haircuts for families at budget-friendly prices, operating as a direct competitor to brands like Great Clips. As part of the Regis Corporation, franchisees benefit from shared corporate resources and a lower entry cost, making it an accessible option for those seeking a discount hair salon franchise. |
Key Takeaways
- Numerous hair salon franchises exist as alternatives to Great Clips, including Sport Clips, Supercuts, Cost Cutters, Fantastic Sams, and Floyd's 99 Barbershop, each with distinct branding, target demographics, and operational models.
- The US hair care services industry is a significant market, with franchised locations projected to grow by 18% annually, indicating strong opportunity within the sector.
- Key competitors like Supercuts and Sport Clips have substantial unit numbers (over 2,600 and 1,850 respectively), offering different levels of market saturation and brand recognition compared to Great Clips' over 4,400 units.
- When comparing hair franchises, Sport Clips and Floyd's 99 Barbershop are often cited as highly profitable due to strong brand identity and focus on higher-margin services, with Sport Clips reporting an average unit volume over $550,000 for top-quartile locations.
- Investment levels vary significantly, with Great Clips ranging from $178,400 to $396,900, while lower-cost options like Cost Cutters and Fantastic Sams can start as low as $120,000 to $150,000.
What Alternative Great Clips Franchise Unit Options Exist?
What are other hair salon franchises?
When considering alternatives to a specific hair salon franchise, a variety of established national brands offer distinct approaches to the market. These include Sport Clips, Supercuts, Cost Cutters, Fantastic Sams, and Floyd's 99 Barbershop. Each brings its own branding, caters to different customer segments, and operates with unique business models.
The broader US hair care services industry is substantial, valued at approximately $70 billion as of 2025. Within this, the landscape of hair salon franchise opportunities is diverse. It's projected that franchised locations in this sector will see a growth of 18% annually, a rate that outpaces the expansion of independent salons.
To effectively compare hair franchises, it's helpful to look at their footprint. As of the end of 2024, Great Clips had over 4,400 units. In comparison, Supercuts operates around 2,600 locations, and Sport Clips boasts more than 1,850 units. These figures offer insight into market penetration and established brand recognition.
Which are the best hair salon franchises to buy?
Identifying the best hair salon franchises to buy is a decision that hinges on an investor's financial capacity, preferred management style, and the specific market they aim to serve. However, brands like Sport Clips and Floyd's 99 Barbershop are frequently highlighted as particularly profitable hair salon franchises, largely due to their strong brand identities and a strategic focus on services that command higher margins for a defined clientele.
According to data from Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) covering 2024-2025, a top-quartile Sport Clips location reports an average unit volume (AUV) exceeding $550,000. This contrasts with the system-wide average for many value-oriented salons, which typically falls closer to $350,000.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Hair Salon Franchise
- Investment Level: Evaluate your available capital against the initial investment ranges, which can vary significantly between brands. For instance, while some franchises might require a lower initial outlay, others may demand a higher capital commitment for prime locations or more extensive build-outs. You can learn more about specific costs by reviewing How Much Does a Great Clips Franchise Cost?
- Target Market Alignment: Consider which demographic your chosen franchise best serves. Are you looking to cater to a value-conscious customer base, or is your strategy focused on a more premium service offering?
- Operational Model: Different franchises have distinct operational requirements. Some may emphasize speed and efficiency, while others focus on a more personalized customer experience. Understanding these differences is crucial for matching the franchise to your management strengths.
Franchisee satisfaction surveys conducted in late 2024 reveal that over 85% of Sport Clips franchisees would recommend the brand to prospective investors. This high satisfaction rate is a critical indicator when assessing potential long-term success and the level of franchisor support, positioning it as a compelling option for those exploring opening a hair salon business franchise.
What Are The Investment Level Alternatives?
What are the costs of a Great Clips franchise?
When considering a franchise like Great Clips, understanding the initial financial commitment is crucial. For 2025, the total initial salon franchise investment for a Great Clips Franchise Unit can range from $178,400 to $396,900. This figure encompasses various components, including a franchise fee of $20,000, costs associated with building out the salon space, purchasing necessary equipment, and initial marketing funds to launch the business.
A closer look at the detailed breakdown from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) reveals where these funds are allocated. Real estate and improvements are a significant factor, typically costing between $75,000 and $150,000. Additionally, equipment, signage, and initial inventory account for approximately $50,000 to $85,000 of the total investment. Beyond the initial outlay, ongoing fees are also part of the financial picture. Franchisees are expected to pay a 6% royalty on gross sales and contribute 5% to an advertising fund. These ongoing fees are important benchmarks when you compare hair franchises to understand the long-term financial obligations involved.
For those curious about the earning potential, it's worth noting that the average annual revenue per unit was $382,633 in 2023, with a median of $366,735. To get a deeper understanding of the financial performance, you can explore How Much Does a Great Clips Franchise Owner Make?
Are there low cost hair salon franchises?
Absolutely, there are several low cost hair salon franchises that offer more accessible entry points for aspiring entrepreneurs. For instance, in 2025, brands like Cost Cutters and Fantastic Sams present initial investment ranges that can start as low as approximately $120,000 to $150,000, making them attractive alternatives to Great Clips for those with tighter capital constraints.
Cost Cutters, for example, has an estimated initial investment range for 2025 between $145,172 and $279,731. This includes a franchise fee of $39,500, which is a key factor when assessing the overall investment. Similarly, Fantastic Sams offers franchise opportunities with an estimated initial investment ranging from about $150,862 to $333,472. These figures demonstrate that viable hair cutting franchise options are available for under $200,000, providing excellent opportunities for individuals looking to enter the hair salon industry without the higher investment levels.
When you compare hair franchises, it's important to look beyond just the initial investment. Consider factors like royalty fees and marketing contributions to get a full picture of the ongoing costs. For example, while the initial investment might be lower for some alternatives, the percentage of ongoing fees could differ. Exploring these different hair salon franchise opportunities allows for a more informed decision based on your financial capacity and business goals, especially when looking at investing in a discount hair salon franchise.
Tips for Comparing Franchise Investments
- Analyze the full investment range: Always look at the high and low end of the estimated initial investment to understand the potential variability.
- Scrutinize ongoing fees: Compare royalty percentages, advertising fund contributions, and any other recurring fees across different franchises.
- Consider the required net worth and cash: Ensure you meet the financial prerequisites before diving deep into a specific franchise opportunity.
- Research average revenue and profitability: While past performance isn't a guarantee, it provides valuable insight into potential earnings.
How Do Business Models Compare to a Great Clips Franchise Unit?
What are alternative hair business models?
When considering alternatives to a Great Clips franchise unit, it’s helpful to look at different operational and revenue models within the hair care industry. The core Great Clips model focuses on walk-in traffic and value-driven, quick cuts. However, other hair salon franchise opportunities offer distinct approaches.
- Alternative hair business models to the Great Clips walk-in, value-cut model include appointment-based full-service salons, membership-based concepts, and niche, demographically-focused barbershops. For instance, brands like Fantastic Sams operate on an appointment-based, full-service model, while Floyd's 99 utilizes a membership structure. Sport Clips carves out a niche by focusing on a specific demographic with a sports-themed environment and a more traditional barber shop feel, though still operating as a franchise chain.
- The membership model, utilized by brands like Floyd's 99, is projected to increase customer lifetime value by 25-40% in 2025 by securing recurring revenue. This is a significant departure from the transaction-based revenue of a typical Great Clips franchise unit, which relies on individual service purchases. This predictable income stream can offer a different kind of financial stability.
- Other alternatives to franchise hair salons include salon suite rentals, such as those offered by Sola Salon Studios. In this model, the franchisee acts as a landlord to independent stylists who rent their own private suites. This model offers a lower operational burden for the franchisee, with an estimated initial investment ranging from $800,000 to $22 million, depending on market and build-out. However, it provides a different revenue stream based on lease agreements rather than direct service sales, shifting the focus from managing stylists and operations to property management and tenant relations.
Is Great Clips a good franchise?
Deciding if a franchise like Great Clips is a good fit depends heavily on an individual’s investment goals and operational preferences. It's a well-established brand with a significant footprint, making it a notable option for many.
- Answering 'is Great Clips a good franchise' depends on investor goals. It is a well-established, manager-run model with over 4,400 locations and strong brand recognition. This makes it ideal for those seeking a scalable, systems-driven business where the owner may not be directly involved in day-to-day operations. Understanding How Does the Great Clips Franchise Work? is crucial for this assessment.
- Financial performance data from 2024 indicates that the average net sales for a Great Clips salon was approximately $383,000. However, profitability is highly dependent on labor costs, which typically represent 45-55% of revenue, and lease terms. For context, the average running expenses for a unit include labor at around $192,728 annually, with continuing franchise fees at approximately $23,990 and advertising at about $20,866.
- The brand's technology, including its Online Check-In app which manages over 40% of customer flow as of 2025, is a significant operational advantage. This efficiency can streamline operations and improve customer experience. However, prospective franchisees must weigh this technological investment and operational model against the brand's value-price positioning and competition from other franchises like Great Clips.
Key Considerations When Comparing Hair Salon Franchises
- Understand the Revenue Model: Differentiate between transaction-based businesses and those with recurring revenue streams like memberships.
- Analyze Operational Intensity: Evaluate how hands-on you want to be. Manager-run models differ significantly from those where the owner is the primary service provider or landlord.
- Assess Technology Integration: Consider how technology impacts customer flow, booking, and overall efficiency, as seen with Great Clips' Online Check-In.
- Review Investment Tiers: Explore the range of initial investments for various hair salon franchise opportunities to find one that aligns with your capital.
Sport Clips
When considering great clips franchise alternatives, Sport Clips stands out as a strong contender, particularly for those looking to tap into a specific market segment. This franchise has carved out a niche by focusing on a male-centric, sports-themed experience. This distinct approach allows them to offer a premium service, often referred to as the 'MVP Experience,' which typically includes a haircut, shampoo, and a relaxing massage.
How does Sport Clips compare to Great Clips?
- Sport Clips serves as a primary great clips franchise alternative by focusing on a male-centric, sports-themed experience, allowing for premium pricing on its 'MVP Experience' service, which includes a haircut, shampoo, and massage
- The initial salon franchise investment for Sport Clips in 2025 is higher, ranging from $266,300 to $439,500, with a franchise fee of $69,500 This higher cost is justified by a reported 2024 average unit volume (AUV) of over $490,000 for stores open at least one year
- A key difference in this hair cutting chain franchise comparison is the target demographic While Great Clips serves the entire family, Sport Clips' focused marketing to men and boys results in a higher average ticket price, estimated to be 30-40% greater than Great Clips in 2025
Is Sport Clips a good franchise for stylists?
- Sport Clips is often considered one of the better franchise opportunities for stylists due to its team-based culture and compensation structure, which includes hourly wages plus tips and performance bonuses, leading to higher earning potential
- As of 2025, the brand reports an average stylist tenure that is 20% longer than the industry average for value salons, attributed to its specialized training in men's cutting and a supportive franchisee network
- The model requires a 'Team Leader' (manager) with a cosmetology license, but the franchisee is typically an investor/manager, making it an appealing structure for entrepreneurs who are not stylists themselves but want to invest in a team of professionals
For entrepreneurs interested in the hair salon franchise opportunities landscape, understanding these distinctions is crucial. While Great Clips offers a broad appeal, Sport Clips targets a specific demographic, which can lead to different revenue potentials and operational focuses. It's important to compare hair franchises based on your investment capacity, target market, and operational preferences.
| Investment Range (2025) | $266,300 - $439,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $69,500 |
| 2024 AUV (Stores Open 1+ Year) | Over $490,000 |
| Estimated Average Ticket Price Increase vs. Great Clips (2025) | 30-40% |
Tips for Evaluating Sport Clips vs. Other Hair Franchises
- Analyze the Target Market: Consider if the male-focused approach of Sport Clips aligns with your business goals and local demographics.
- Review Financials Carefully: While the initial investment is higher, the AUV suggests strong earning potential. Dive deep into the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for detailed financial performance representations.
- Understand the Operational Model: Sport Clips' reliance on a licensed 'Team Leader' can be an advantage for investor-franchisees who may not have a cosmetology background themselves.
When you compare hair franchises, looking at brands like Sport Clips alongside options like Great Clips provides a clearer picture of the market's diversity. If you're exploring hair cutting franchise options, remember that understanding the specific service offerings and target customer for each brand is key to making an informed decision. For those interested in the mechanics of establishing a presence in this sector, resources like How to Start a Great Clips Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist can offer foundational knowledge, even when evaluating alternative brands.
Supercuts
When exploring alternatives to the Great Clips franchise, Supercuts stands out as a significant player in the hair salon industry. It offers a similar business model but with a slightly different market positioning.
What is the Supercuts franchise model?
- Supercuts, a prominent name in hair salon franchise opportunities, mirrors the walk-in convenience of Great Clips while aiming for a more contemporary salon experience. They also offer specialized services like their 'Supercolor' line.
- For those looking to compare hair franchises, the initial investment for a Supercuts franchise in 2025 falls between $168,972 and $323,231, with a franchise fee of $39,500. This makes it a comparable investment to a Great Clips franchise unit.
- Regis Corporation, the parent company of Supercuts, provides substantial corporate backing and brand recognition, with over 2,600 locations. In a hair salon franchise fees comparison, Supercuts matches Great Clips with a 6% royalty fee and a 5% advertising fund fee.
How does Supercuts' profitability compare?
- Supercuts' profitability is generally in line with other salons in the value sector. FDD data from 2024 indicates that franchised stores can achieve average gross sales between $300,000 and $350,000, though actual performance varies based on location and management effectiveness.
- The brand actively promotes product sales, particularly its co-branded Paul Mitchell lines, creating an additional revenue stream. In 2025, top-performing Supercuts salons reported that product sales contributed between 10% and 15% of their total revenue.
- For those seeking profitable hair salon franchises, Supercuts offers a well-established system with a long operational history. However, success often hinges on a franchisee's ability to manage stylist retention and ensure consistent service quality.
Key Considerations for Supercuts as a Great Clips Alternative
- Investment Range: The initial investment is comparable to Great Clips, making it accessible for many entrepreneurs.
- Brand Strength: As a subsidiary of Regis Corporation, Supercuts benefits from significant brand recognition and operational support.
- Revenue Streams: The emphasis on product sales offers an additional avenue for increasing profitability.
- Operational Focus: Success is closely linked to effective management of staff and service delivery.
| Metric | Supercuts (Estimated 2025) | Great Clips (2023 FDD Data) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment Range | $168,972 - $323,231 | $182,950 - $414,400 |
| Franchise Fee | $39,500 | $20,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | 5% | 5% |
Understanding the nuances between these hair salon franchise opportunities is crucial for making an informed decision. For a deeper dive into the specifics of owning a Great Clips franchise, consider reviewing What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Great Clips Franchise? to fully grasp the landscape of these great clips franchise alternatives.
Fantastic Sams
When exploring great clips franchise alternatives, Fantastic Sams presents a compelling case for those seeking a different approach within the hair salon industry. It's a prime example of hair salon franchise opportunities that offer a broader service spectrum.
What makes Fantastic Sams a different hair cutting franchise option?
- Fantastic Sams stands out among hair cutting franchise options by operating as a full-service family salon. Unlike the cut-focused model of a Great Clips Franchise Unit, it offers a complete menu of services including color, highlights, waxing, and treatments. This differentiates it significantly from brands that primarily focus on quick haircuts.
- This full-service model leads to a higher average ticket. Estimated in 2025, this could be 50-70% higher than a typical Great Clips transaction, as color services can range from $70 to $150 compared to a sub-$25 haircut. This offers a pathway to potentially greater revenue per client.
- The initial investment for a new Fantastic Sams salon in 2025 is between $150,862 and $333,472, making it a competitively priced option for those looking at franchise options for beauty salons that go beyond basic cuts. This range is generally comparable to other established franchise systems in the sector.
Is Fantastic Sams a good investment?
Investing in Fantastic Sams appeals to those wanting to capture a larger share of the beauty market. The broader service menu can attract a more loyal clientele and provides more revenue streams than discount-only models. This makes it an interesting option when you compare hair franchises.
- The brand was acquired by Dessange International in 2012, providing strong international backing. As of 2024, the brand has around 800 locations, offering more territory availability in some markets compared to more saturated competitors. This can be an advantage for new franchisees looking for prime locations.
- However, the model's complexity is higher, requiring stylists with advanced chemical and coloring skills and more sophisticated inventory management. Potential investors must factor in higher training costs and a more complex supply chain. This is a key consideration when looking at alternative hair business models.
Key Considerations for Fantastic Sams Investors
- Service Mix: Evaluate if your market has a strong demand for full-service salon offerings, including color and chemical treatments, rather than just haircuts.
- Staffing Skills: Ensure you can recruit and retain stylists with advanced coloring and chemical service expertise, as this is crucial for the model's success.
- Operational Complexity: Be prepared for more involved inventory management and potential for higher operational overhead compared to simpler haircutting franchises.
When considering franchises like Great Clips, it's important to look at the total investment and operational scope. For Great Clips, the initial investment ranges from $182,950 to $414,400. Their model focuses on high-volume, efficient haircuts, with an average annual revenue per unit reported at approximately $382,633.
| Metric | Great Clips (Approx.) | Fantastic Sams (Estimated 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment Range | $182,950 - $414,400 | $150,862 - $333,472 |
| Primary Focus | Haircuts | Full-Service Salon (cuts, color, treatments) |
| Average Ticket | Sub-$25 | $70 - $150+ (for color services) |
Floyd's 99 Barbershop
When exploring great clips franchise alternatives, Floyd's 99 Barbershop presents a distinctly different approach to the hair cutting franchise model.
What is the Floyd's 99 business model?
- Floyd's 99 Barbershop represents one of the more unique alternative hair business models, blending a modern, rock-and-roll themed barbershop experience with a full range of services for men and women, positioning itself as an amplified version of the classic barbershop.
- The model is built on experience, not just service, featuring a curated music playlist, posters of music icons, and a high-energy vibe. This allows it to command premium pricing, with a standard haircut costing between $30 and $45 in 2025.
- The brand also offers memberships and sells its own line of 'Grooming' products, creating multiple recurring revenue opportunities. This positions it as a high-end alternative to a Great Clips Franchise Unit.
What is the investment for Floyd's 99?
- The salon franchise investment for Floyd's 99 is substantially higher, with a 2025 estimated range of $563,950 to $998,550. This includes a $55,000 franchise fee and significant costs for its distinctive, high-end build-out.
- This investment targets a different franchisee profile, often multi-unit operators seeking a differentiated brand. The reported 2024 AUV for a Floyd's 99 shop was over $800,000, reflecting its premium positioning and strong unit economics.
- While not a choice for those seeking low cost hair salon franchises, its high revenue potential and unique market niche make it a compelling option for well-capitalized investors looking to compare hair franchises at the premium end of the market.
For comparison, a Great Clips franchise has an initial investment ranging from $182,950 to $414,400, with a franchise fee of $20,000. The average annual revenue per unit for Great Clips was approximately $398,971 in 2023, with ongoing royalty and marketing fees at 6% and 5% respectively.
| Metric | Floyd's 99 Barbershop (Est. 2025) | Great Clips (2023 Data) |
| Initial Investment Range | $563,950 - $998,550 | $182,950 - $414,400 |
| Franchise Fee | $55,000 | $20,000 |
| Average Annual Revenue (AUV) | $800,000+ (2024) | $398,971 |
| Royalty Fee | Not publicly disclosed, but typically higher for premium brands | 6% |
| Marketing Fee | Not publicly disclosed, but typically higher for premium brands | 5% |
Key Considerations When Comparing Hair Salon Franchises
- Brand Positioning: Floyd's 99 targets a more experiential and premium market compared to the high-volume, value-driven model of Great Clips.
- Investment Level: The higher investment for Floyd's 99 reflects its unique build-out, branding, and service offerings.
- Target Franchisee: Floyd's 99 often appeals to experienced multi-unit operators, while Great Clips can be more accessible for first-time franchise owners.
When you compare hair franchises, understanding the nuances of each business model and investment requirement is crucial. For those looking for hair cutting franchise options that offer a differentiated customer experience and cater to a discerning clientele, Floyd's 99 is a notable alternative.
Cost Cutters
When exploring How Does the Great Clips Franchise Work?, it's beneficial to look at direct competitors and understand their operational models and investment requirements. Cost Cutters stands out as a franchise that offers a similar value-driven approach to hair care services, making it a relevant alternative for those considering this market.
How does Cost Cutters work as a franchise?
- Cost Cutters operates as a direct, value-oriented competitor among franchises like great clips, focusing on providing convenient, no-appointment-necessary haircuts for the entire family at a budget-friendly price point.
- As a brand under the Regis Corporation umbrella (along with Supercuts), franchisees benefit from shared corporate resources, including marketing, technology, and supply chain efficiencies, which can be a significant advantage when learning how to start a hair salon franchise.
- The 2025 initial investment range of $145,172 to $279,731 makes it one of the more accessible franchise opportunities for stylists or investors looking for a lower entry cost into the hair care market.
Is Cost Cutters a profitable franchise?
- The profitability of a Cost Cutters franchise is heavily dependent on high customer volume and efficient operations, similar to a Great Clips Franchise Unit. Its success hinges on managing labor costs and securing leases in high-traffic retail centers.
- Based on 2024 FDD data for its sister brand, Supercuts (as Regis does not always disclose Cost Cutters data separately), a well-run value salon in this system can expect gross revenues in the $250,000 to $325,000 range.
- For investors focused primarily on investing in a discount hair salon franchise, Cost Cutters offers a proven system with a lower investment threshold, but it competes in a highly crowded market segment where brand differentiation is minimal.
Key Considerations for Cost Cutters Franchising
- Market Saturation: While Cost Cutters offers a lower entry point compared to some other hair salon franchises, understand that the value segment of the hair care market is highly competitive. Careful site selection is paramount.
- Operational Efficiency: Success in this model relies on maximizing customer throughput. Efficient staffing, streamlined processes, and effective marketing to drive consistent foot traffic are crucial.
- Brand Affiliation: Being part of the Regis Corporation provides a support structure, but also means adhering to established brand standards and marketing directives.
| Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty Fee | Marketing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| $145,172 - $279,731 (2025 Estimate) | $20,000 | 6% | 5% |
When comparing hair salon franchise opportunities, understanding the financial benchmarks is essential. For instance, the average annual revenue per unit for Great Clips in 2023 was approximately $382,633. While Cost Cutters' specific data can vary, its sister brand, Supercuts, has demonstrated average gross revenues in the $250,000 to $325,000 range for well-managed locations, according to 2024 FDD insights. This highlights the importance of detailed financial analysis when looking at alternative hair business models.
For those seeking low cost hair salon franchises, Cost Cutters' initial investment is a key draw. The required cash is $20,000, with a net worth requirement typically between $100,000 and $200,000. This contrasts with the higher end of the spectrum for some other franchise models, making it an accessible option for many aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the salon industry.
When you compare hair franchises, it's important to look beyond just the initial investment. Consider the ongoing fees, potential for profitability, and the support system provided. For example, the breakeven time for similar franchise models is often around 15 months, with an investment payback period of approximately 42 months, based on 2023 data. These figures are vital for assessing the financial viability of any hair cutting franchise option.